Bixler Bridge

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Representative Kate A. Klunk
169th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact:  Greg Gross
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2019
Klunk, Local Officials to Dedicate Bridge for Vietnam War Hero
HANOVER – To honor a fallen hero, Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover) will be joined by local elected officials to dedicate the Valley Street bridge in Glen Rock to U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Martin E. Bixler, who was killed during the Vietnam War. The ceremony will be held at the bridge on Friday, March 29, which is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, starting at noon.

“Bixler gave his life serving his country as a helicopter pilot in the Army,” Klunk said. “As a native of Glen Rock, it is more than fitting that a piece of Bixler’s hometown should bear his name for decades to come.”

Bixler was killed after the UH-1 Huey helicopter he was flying was shot down in Tay Ning Province in 1968. He was 21 years old. Bixler was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation and the Good Conduct Medal.

The ceremony will be held on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a relatively new federal day of observation created at the urging of former U.S. Army Sgt. Harold Redding, a Vietnam veteran from York County.

“I hope the public comes out en masse to honor Bixler and to make sure his memory lives on,” Klunk said. “We are extremely grateful for the sacrifices our members of the armed services have made and continue to make.”

The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony to honor Bixler. Parking at the York County-owned bridge is limited but additional parking is available at the Glen Rock American Legion Post 403, 4035 Manchester St. Bailey Coach has graciously donated a shuttle bus to transport attendees to and from the Legion. The shuttle will be in service from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Those who use the shuttle serve are asked to be at the shuttle stop no later than 11:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m.

A reception will be held at the Legion immediately following the ceremony. Questions about the ceremony are to be directed at Klunk’s office by calling (717) 630-8942.

NOTES:

  1. We asked that the public be advised to bring their own chairs, for we have limited chairs available, and there’s no way that we can predict how many will be in attendance.
  1. Parking is available at Zion Lutheran Church, Glen Rock EMS and other locations closer to the bridge site than the Post.  The shuttle will be making a loop preceding and succeeding the ceremony.

 

  1. WO1 Bixler was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Armed Forces third highest award for valor in combat, subordinate only to the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross and the Congressional Medal of Honor.

 

  1. In the Army, a Warrant Officer One (or 1) is a WO1.  You’re not called or identified as a Chief Warrant Officer until you are promoted to WO2 and above.

 

  1. …former U.S. Army Sgt. Harold Redding…” cited in the Press Release is Harold Redding, First Sergeant, U.S. Army (Retired), the 2nd highest enlisted rank and a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.